Manchester United academy legend Tony Whelan has retired from his role at the club after more than three decades, calling it the “honour and privilege of my life” to represent the club.

The 72-year-old left the club at the end of December, having served United as a player, coach, and mentor and played a significant role in the academy.

Salford-born Whelan came through the youth ranks at United under Sir Matt Busby and then became one of the few players to move directly from Old Trafford to Manchester City. He then left Maine Road to enjoy a successful career with Rochdale before moving to play in the United States, including a spell playing alongside former United teammate George Best at the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. He was also reunited with Brian Kidd at Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta Chiefs.

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He returned from the USA and began a career in social work before starting a coaching role in Manchester City’s football in the community programme. He returned to United to coach in the academy in 1990, having been brought in by Nobby Stiles and Brian Kidd, two big influences on his career.

Whelan went on to become the academy head of coaching and academy programme adviser during his latter years at the club, during which time 97 academy graduates made their debut.

In 2020, he received the Premier League’s Eamonn Dolan Award for his outstanding contribution to youth development.

In a statement released to the Manchester Evening News, Whelan reflected on his remarkable time at the club.

“After many dedicated to Manchester United, father time has gently tapped me on the shoulder, and I have now stepped down from my role at the academy,” he said. “I wanted to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my amazing journey with this magnificent football club.

“Serving Manchester United has undoubtedly been one of the honours and privileges of my life. My story with the club began in the autumn of 1967 when I was spotted by the legendary scout Joe Armstrong while playing for my town team, Stretford Boys. I was just 14 years old and thought all my Christmases had come at once.

“I signed schoolboy forms with the club, became an apprentice in 1968 and turned professional in December 1969. My time as a player at Manchester United was unforgettable, and I still cherish every moment to this day. However, all good things come to an end and I left the club in February 1973 to continue my career elsewhere.

“Little did I know that, 17 years later, I would return as a youth coach. This unexpected turn of events gave me the unbelievable opportunity to work with so many wonderful people - players, parents and colleagues - over the course of three decades.

“Throughout my coaching career I have been blessed with the help, support and encouragement of countless colleagues and friends who have earned my deepest respect, gratitude and affection. They know who they are, and I will remain forever indebted to them.

“My guiding principle as a coach has always been to instil in young players a lifelong love of the game, one that will stay with them long after their childhood years. If I have achieved this, even in a small way, then I am extremely humbled.

“As I step away, I do so with the utmost confidence in the club’s future. I wish Manchester United every success and look forward to watching the outstanding graduates of the academy continue to make their way into the first team, carrying on the club’s peerless tradition for developing homegrown players, a legacy that goes all the way back to Tom Manley in 1931.

“I feel a great sense of pride and satisfaction to have played a small part in this incredible journey and I leave with nothing but the fondest of memories. Meanwhile, you will still see me at the far post.”